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There were recently mass protests and riots in Islamabad by those sympathetic to Mumtaz Qadri. Qadri murdered Salem Taseer, a regional governor, who suggested that there might be reform of existing "blasphemy" laws. Let me say that again - Taseer did NOT commit "blasphemy", he just suggested that blasphemy laws be reformed. And a huge crowd considers Qadri to be a "hero" for murdering Taseer in cold blood simply for suggesting that blasphemy laws be changed.
It has long been my contention that - although terrorists are a tiny minority within the Muslim world, although the overwhelming majority of Muslims are peace loving and do not sympathize with terrorists, although there is nothing in the Islamic religion as properly understood which would condone what terrorists do - yet nevertheless there is a significant minority of Sunni Muslims living in certain countries who hold beliefs which make them very very good candidates for recruitment by terrorist organizations. Among these beliefs is the belief that no one should be permitted to say anything which they consider to be derogatory about Islam and that an attempt of a Muslim to leave the religion should be met by death or serious punishment.
I would estimate that in the area from Algeria to Pakistan at least 10% and more likely 20% of Sunni Muslims hold these beliefs. Thus, the analysis of "Islamic terrorism" can not be limited to - on the one hand - the clearly false statement that "Muslims are inherently violent" or - on the other hand - to the clearly oversimplified statement that "Islam is a peaceful religion and the terrorists are just a few nut jobs." The reality is much more complex.
We are facing a much more complicated problem with an extremist group whose beliefs and actions grow out of widespread religious fanaticism.
It has long been my contention that - although terrorists are a tiny minority within the Muslim world, although the overwhelming majority of Muslims are peace loving and do not sympathize with terrorists, although there is nothing in the Islamic religion as properly understood which would condone what terrorists do - yet nevertheless there is a significant minority of Sunni Muslims living in certain countries who hold beliefs which make them very very good candidates for recruitment by terrorist organizations. Among these beliefs is the belief that no one should be permitted to say anything which they consider to be derogatory about Islam and that an attempt of a Muslim to leave the religion should be met by death or serious punishment.
I would estimate that in the area from Algeria to Pakistan at least 10% and more likely 20% of Sunni Muslims hold these beliefs. Thus, the analysis of "Islamic terrorism" can not be limited to - on the one hand - the clearly false statement that "Muslims are inherently violent" or - on the other hand - to the clearly oversimplified statement that "Islam is a peaceful religion and the terrorists are just a few nut jobs." The reality is much more complex.
We are facing a much more complicated problem with an extremist group whose beliefs and actions grow out of widespread religious fanaticism.
